Rustam Minnikhanov at the Forum of education ministers “Shaping the Future’: Expenses on education are investments into the future with high pay-back

On 8 June, welcoming participant of the plenary session of the International Forum of Education Ministers “Shaping the Future”, which is held in Kazan from 7 to 11 June with participation of ministers of Education from more than 20 foreign countries and representatives from regions of Russia, the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov said that “it is the systemic improvement of education and upbringing which is the key of the successful future of our countries, their technological leadership and well-being of population”. He said that Tatarstan is a large educational and scientific center of Russia, comprising 127 research institutions which are taking part in R&D with the total amount of financing of 22,5bn rubles every year, 45 universities, which rank high in international rankings, 143 thousand students, which are trained in all spheres, and a network of equational organizations implementing programmes of comprehensive, additional and vocational training.

Rustam Minnikhanov emphasized that the republic gives priority to the sphere of education every year allocating huge amounts of money to construction of schools and kindergartens, overhaul and equipment of educational organizations, and improvement of the staff education system and added that expenses on education are not just the social responsibility of the state, but also investments into the future with high pay-back.

Having said that the preservation of historical and spiritual heritage, shaping of traditional values and multi-confessional and multi-ethnic peace and concord are the inseparable part on the Russian education, he informed about main international events hosted by the republic dedicated to preservation and strengthening of traditional spiritual and moral values.

Rustam Minnikhanov also stated that more than 21 thousand foreign students - mostly from countries of the Central and Middle East and South-East Asia -are currently studying at universities of the republic, which have signed more than 700 agreements on developing joint educational programmes, joint research work, joint conferences and publications.

He also told about the Algarysh Grant given by the Government of Tatarstan to young scientists and teachers and students to pass training in the best research and education centers of the world.
In conclusion Rustam Minnikhanov said he is sure the forum will make a substantial contribution into solving the tasks the education is currently facing and wished participants of the forum success and scientific achievements.